President John Dramani Mahama has backed plans to establish a medical school at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo as part of efforts to expand medical training and increase the number of doctors produced in Ghana.
The President announced his support during a visit to the university, where he inspected the ongoing construction of a multi-complex science laboratory that was started in 2016 but remained unfinished for years.
President Mahama said expanding medical training to more universities would help Ghana produce additional doctors to meet the country’s healthcare needs.
He said increasing Ghana’s capacity to train medical professionals could also position the country to supply skilled health workers to other countries experiencing shortages.
The President assured UTAS of the government’s support as the university expands its science, technology and professional programmes and develops into a centre of excellence.
During the visit, President Mahama also announced that funding had been secured to complete the university’s science laboratory project.
He said the project is among abandoned government projects identified by his administration for completion after returning to office.
According to the President, his government pledged during the 2024 election campaign to identify abandoned projects across the country and mobilise resources to complete them rather than allow investments already made with public funds to go to waste.
“Since public funds have already been committed to these projects, it is important that we complete them and ensure they serve the purpose for which they were initiated,” President Mahama said.
The laboratory project was started in 2016 but was subsequently left unfinished. President Mahama said funding has now been secured to enable construction to continue.
After inspecting the facility, he expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and said the project is expected to be completed and handed over in 2027.
The President said the completed facility would strengthen UTAS’s capacity to provide practical and quality education in science-related disciplines.
He also directed the Minister for Roads and Highways and his deputy to consider a request from the university for the construction of approximately five kilometres of internal roads.
President Mahama said UTAS has an important role to play in Ghana’s development by producing skilled professionals in engineering, science and technology.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in institutions such as UTAS to strengthen science, technology and professional education and contribute to national development.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Mary Atiamah Aperika | Bolgatanga
